Stand and Deliver

At a tough school, someone had to take a stand...and someone did. Together, one teacher and one class proved to America they could...

1988 • 103 min • Drama

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Synopsis

Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a hispanic neighbourhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to try and turn gang members and no-hopers into some of the country's top algebra and calculus students.

Our family guide

Best from age 10

Movie Knight Score

469 reviews

78 Audience · 469 · 100%

James Escalante, a dedicated math teacher, inspires underprivileged students in East Los Angeles to overcome challenges and excel in calculus. Despite initial struggles and skepticism, his unconventional methods help them achieve remarkable academic success and pass the AP Calculus exam.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some arguments and confrontations
Mild bullying behavior
Brief scenes of gang presence

What it models well

Perseverance and hard work
Importance of education
Belief in potential
Mentorship and guidance

Talk about it after

Overcoming systemic disadvantages
The value of a good teacher
Dealing with unfair accusations
Setting high expectations

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Stand and Deliver. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.